What Is Refined Camphor?
Table of Contents
Camphor is an organic compound naturally occurring in camphor laurel. Cinnamomum Camphora is found in regions of Asia like Japan, Taiwan and China. It is purified and refined for use in many household products.
Description
Wood is steamed off the camphor laurel tree to produce a vapor, then crystallized and heated with charcoal to produce a white gum-like product. It has a strong smell and is flammable.
Medicinal Products
Camphor is widely used in joint and muscle remedies like Vicks Vapo Rub and cough and cold medication. Pain relieving products like Campho-Phenique and some pharmaceutical products also contain camphor.
Household Products
Plastics, insecticides, nail polish, furniture polish and rodent repellent all contain a percentage of camphor.
Considerations
Medical and household products, with camphor as an ingredient, must be kept away from children and pets. Exposure to toxic levels of camphor can cause nausea, vomiting, mucous membrane irritation, abdominal pain and convulsions. Other symptoms like dizziness, headache and confusion are also linked to toxicity. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention in a hospital emergency room if camphor poisoning is suspected.
Warnings
Pregnant women should be especially cautious using camphor related products. Fetal deaths have been caused by camphor poisoning.
References
Writer Bio
Doreen Fiorillo has been writing feature and content articles online and in print since 2002. She has been published in Arizona Boating and Watercraft, as well as the "Las Vegas Bugle." Fiorillo is a former mental-health therapist who holds a Master of Arts in psychology from Norwich University.
Photo Credits
- Summer pregnancy image by dpaint from Fotolia.com
- Summer pregnancy image by dpaint from Fotolia.com
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